Bombardier will supply three Global 6500 aircraft to support maritime surveillance missions for the Australian Border Force under a programme operated by Metrea.

Metrea has been selected to provide advanced aerial surveillance services to the Australian Government through a partnership with the Department of Home Affairs and Australian Border Force, with the company set to operate the aircraft as part of the surveillance programme.

Michael Anckner, vice president of worldwide sales at Bombardier Defense, says: “The Global 6500 aircraft brings a new level of capability for maritime surveillance, with exceptional range, speed, endurance and reliability. Our teams are proud that this game-changing aircraft is the trusted choice to support the Australian Border Force's aerial surveillance programme.”

The programme introduces the Global platform in Australia in a special mission configuration, building on Bombardier’s wider special mission activity worldwide. Bombardier Learjet and Challenger aircraft already support search-and-rescue and medical evacuation missions across the country.

Bombardier says it has expanded its Australian presence in recent years, including the opening of its Melbourne service centre at Essendon Fields Airport in 2022 and a Perth line maintenance station announced in March 2025. Bombardier Defense also opened its first international office in Adelaide in May 2024 to support special mission customers in the region.

Metrea says the contract reflects government confidence in its airborne intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities following more than 170,000 operational flight hours across Europe, the United States, Africa and Asia over the past decade.

Rory Morse, programme manager at Metrea, says: “This is an exciting moment for Metrea. This contract reflects our strong track record in delivering complex surveillance operations around the world, and we are proud of the trust the Australian Government has placed in our team. Our focus remains on operational excellence, dependable delivery and seamless collaboration to support our customer's mission requirements every day.”

Metrea says it is preparing to expand its Australian operations to support sovereign capability delivery, regional employment and future mission areas including aerial firefighting and electromagnetic and cyber solutions.